"We are all so changed!" When individuals approach one another with deep purposes on both sides, they seldom come at once to the matter which they have most at heart.
They dread the electric shock of a too sudden contact with it.

A natural impulse leads them to steal gradually onward, hiding themselves, as it were, behind a closer, and still a closer topic, until they stand face to face with the true point of interest.

Miriam was conscious of this impulse, and partially obeyed it.
"So your instincts as a sculptor have brought you into the presence of our newly discovered statue," she observed.

"Is it not beautiful?
A far truer image of immortal womanhood than the poor little damsel at Florence, world famous though she be." "Most beautiful," said Kenyon, casting an indifferent glance at the Venus.

"The time has been when the sight of this statue would have been enough to make the day memorable." "And will it not do so now ?" Miriam asked.
"I fancied so, indeed, when we discovered it two days ago.